Mobility assist device and method for self-transfer between bed and wheelchair

ABSTRACT

A mobility assist device for paraplegic individuals who are non-weight bearing through their bilateral lower extremities and one or two wrists to move in bed and also to transfer from a bed to a wheelchair or commode, or vise versa. The device has a support plate that is intended for supporting the forearm of a non-weight bearing wrist and for securing the forearm to the support plate. For self-transfer of the individual from a bed to a wheelchair, the individual bridges the space between the bed and the wheelchair located near the bed. By using the muscles of the healthy hand and the muscles of the handicapped hand supported by the device, the individual stepwise moves his body along the sliding board to the wheelchair until he/she find himself/herself on the wheelchair seat. The sliding board is then removed. Transfer from the wheelchair to the bed is carried out in the reverse sequence.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a mobility assist device for a handicapped individual, in particular, to a device for assisting a paraplegic individual to independently transfer himself/herself from a bed to a wheelchair or from a wheelchair to a bed, i.e., without assistance from another individual. More specifically, the invention relates to a method and device for assisting individuals who are non-weight bearing through their bilateral lower extremities and also one or both wrists to move in bed and to transfer from a bed to a chair or commode.

Many devices and methods that assist handicapped individuals to increase their independence and mobility are known in the art.

For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,282,486 issued in 1994 to L. Hoover discloses a crutch, which can be used, particularly by paraplegics, to move between sitting and standing positions. The crutch includes a unique foot mechanism that gives added stability to the user of a pair of the crutches during such sitting/standing transitions and that can be retracted so as to avoid interference with normal crutch-aided walking. A set of such crutches, incorporating both power extension/retraction and power foot adjustment, is capable of extended powered operation with on-sliding board electrical power, uses power only for adjustment, and is self-locking into various positions. The power assist of the crutches is controlled by switches strategically located on the crutch handles so that the user can manipulate the control switches without releasing his/her hold on the crutch handles. Also disclosed is a unique method of assisting disabled persons who use such crutches to move between seated and standing positions without further assistance.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,465,744 issued in 1995 to Browning discloses an adjustable mobility assist device, which has a base, means for obtaining leverage against a stationary object, and grasping means that allow the user to reach out and up while rising from a seated position. In its several embodiments, the device can be adapted for use in rising from a chair, bed, or commode. Handles are provided so that the device can also assist in walking. Arms are also included for supporting the user's arms, a reading or eating tray, and the like. The device is portable and can be moved from one piece of furniture to another in the user's home.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,718,671 issued in 1998 to J. Bzoch discloses an orthosis with a clamp designed to clamp the orthosis to the arm of a chair. Adjustment devices incorporated in the orthosis permit adjustment of the position and orientation of the orthosis in all degrees of freedom, and the armrest of the orthosis can be lengthened or shortened.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,983,911 issued in 1999 to R. Steele describes a device that rests on a floor surface for enhancing the self-mobility of a person. The device comprises a base structure that consists of a plurality of floor rail stabilizers and a base platform. The floor rail stabilizers include parallel sides. The base platform is comprised of a base frame and a base plate fixably attached to the base frame with the base frame having parallel side surfaces and being fixably attached in flush surface-to-surface relation to the plurality of floor rail stabilizers for strength and stability. The base platform is located and positioned between the plurality of floor rail stabilizers for holding the device to the floor surface. A plurality of upright side stands are sized and positioned on the floor rail stabilizers for sustaining and transferring the lateral force applied by the person. Each upright side stand is comprised of a plurality of vertical rail members and a plurality of angled rod members. Each upright side stand is located and positioned with each angled rod member positioned in a direction toward the back end of the corresponding floor rail stabilizer to provide stability and each vertical rail member thereby transferring the lateral force to the corresponding angled rod member. Each angled rod member thereby transfers the lateral force to the corresponding floor rail stabilizer to resist tipping and to relieve the corresponding vertical rail member of stress.

U.S. Pat. No. 7,156,789 issued in 2007 to A. Nativ describes a mobile apparatus for assisting a person with limited mobility. The person may be assisted by the apparatus when walking. The apparatus includes a seating surface resiliently mounted to provide partial body weight support to the person. A person using the mobility assist may grasp lateral handles disposed on the apparatus while walking, or he/she may attempt to mobilize without the use of the lateral handles. Multiple elastic cords positioned to generate a lifting force that varies according to the number of elastic cords employed provide the degree of resilience in the seat. The degree of resilience can be adjusted in accordance with the relative collapse of the lower extremities of the person. As the walking ability of the person progresses, such lifting force can be reduced over time by reducing the number of elastic cords employed.

U.S. Pat. No. 7,237,844 issued in 2007 to K. Stewart, III, et al, relates to a lightweight portable vertebrae decompression support device that comprises a pair of armrests with selectively adjustable members connecting the armrests and a base member. The base member is adapted to rest on a seat. The selective adjustment raises and lowers the height of the armrests with respect to the base. The support device provides arm support sufficient to decompress the vertebrae and aids persons recovering from back surgery or those with chronic back problems. The support device can be adjusted to fit various girths.

U.S. Pat. No. 7,328,467 issued in 2008 to J. Aarestad discloses a lift and transfer device and a method, wherein a patient support assembly supported on a lift and on a wheeled platform includes a main support arm pivoted to the lift. First and second transversely extending support arms carrying a back support section and a leg support are cantilevered from the main support arm. The main support arm is positioned for lifting a patient from a bed. The main support arm is rotated from a first to a second angular position for lowering a patient to a wheelchair. First and second pivot arms each have an upper end pivotally supported to the back support section and a lower end having a torso grip pad positioned adjacent to one side of the patient. Horizontal force applied by each torso grip pad and friction provide patient support.

U.S. Pat. No. 7,364,184 issued in 2008 to P. Delhotal discloses a mobility assist device for moving an individual with limited mobility or allowing such an individual to move without assistance from another individual. The device includes a substantially rigid frame or body assembly having sufficient strength to support the weight of the individual; a plurality of lockable/brakeable rolling members attached to the substantially rigid frame or body assembly; and a seat member attached to the substantially rigid frame or body assembly, wherein the seat member includes a seat bottom member and a deployable seat back member that is selectively adjustable from at least a first upright position to a second reclined position, wherein in the second reclined position the seat bottom member and the deployable seat back member are substantially collinear, thereby functioning as a ramp that facilitates loading/unloading of the individual into/out of the seat member and the mobility assist device.

However, none of the devices and methods described above make it possible for an individual who is non-weight bearing through his/her bilateral lower extremities and one or both wrists to move in bed or to transfer himself/herself from bed to wheelchair, or vice versa, without assistance.

OBJECTS AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the invention to provide a device and method for improving self-mobility of an individual who is non-weight bearing through his/her bilateral lower extremities and one or both wrists. It is a further object to provide a device that can hasten the rehabilitation process of patient independence and can also be used at home or another facility until the patient is able to ambulate. It is another object to provide a device that can be used by patients with multiple extremity fractures for improving their mobility. It is a more specific object to provide the aforementioned individuals with a device and method that allow an individual to move in bed and to transfer himself/herself from bed to wheelchair, or vice versa, without assistance. Still another object is to provide the device of the aforementioned type that is light in weight, adjustable according to specific dimensions of the individual, foldable, and suitable for placing on a wheelchair.

An individual who is non-weight bearing through his/her bilateral lower extremities and one or both wrists cannot independently, i.e., without assistance of another person, transfer himself/herself from a bed to a wheelchair, or vice versa. However, this becomes possible by use of the device and method of the invention.

In general, the device of the invention (hereinafter referred to as “device”) comprises a short crutch that has a height slightly shorter than the distance from the support surface, e.g., of a bed or a wheelchair, to the armpit of the person sitting on this support surface. The device requires the use of a sliding board as an auxiliary item. The sliding board always can be located at hand, that is, near or on the bed in an easily reachable position.

According to one aspect of the invention, the device consists of two parallel rods adjustable in length and interconnected with a transverse crossbar at the upper ends and with a forearm-supporting plate, which is sufficiently wide to support the forearm of the individual who has a non-weight bearing wrist. The upper surface of the crossbar and the support surface of the forearm-supporting plate are coated with a soft, resilient material. The forearm-supporting plate is provided with a forearm-securing means, such as a flexible strip or a belt with a buckle, for tightly securing the wrist of the non-weight bearing forearm to the device during use of the latter.

According to another aspect of the invention and in addition to the features described above, the forearm-supporting plate is pivotally connected to an auxiliary crossbar installed between the parallel vertical rods, and a third vertical bar for use as a support leg for the forearm-supporting plate is pivotally connected to the bottom of the forearm-supporting plate. Such a construction improves stability of the forearm-supporting plate during use and makes the device foldable for convenience of storage and transportation.

The device is used as a crutch in the following manner. In order to transfer oneself from a bed to a wheelchair, which is preliminarily positioned at the end of the bed opposite to the pillow, the individual assumes a sitting position on the bed with the elbow of his/her injured or handicapped hand resting on the bed. The healthy hand is located on the wheelchair side. With the healthy hand, the individual places one end of the sliding board under his/her buttock and the other end onto the seat of the wheelchair so that the sliding board bridges the span between the bed and the wheelchair. Next, the individual places the device on the bed. The device is then used as a crutch so that the transverse crossbar is placed under the individual's armpit of the handicapped arm, which rests on the forearm-supporting plate, while the healthy hand rests on the wheelchair side of the sliding board. In this situation, by using the muscles of the healthy hand and of the handicapped arm the individual can slightly lift his/her body to alleviate the pressure exerted by his/her weight on the sliding board so that he/she can shift his/her body toward the wheelchair. Such a procedure is repeated many times, and when in subsequent operations the individual moves closer to the wheelchair the device rests on the sliding board instead of the bed. These steps are repeated until the individual finds himself/herself on the part of the sliding board that is supported by the wheelchair. The individual then removes the sliding board with his/her healthy hand. Transfer from a wheelchair to a bed is carried out in reverse sequence of the above-described operations. In order to facilitate this operation and to allow the individual to reach the board with his/her healthy hand, the edge of the sliding board on the wheelchair side should not be placed too far under the individual's body. Furthermore, it is recommended that the edges of the sliding boards be beveled.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a three-dimensional view of a handicapped person mobility assist device according to one aspect of the invention, the device having two support legs and a forearm-supporting plate rigidly attached to the frame.

FIG. 2 is a fragmental exploded view that illustrates attachment of the adjustable legs to the tubular rods of the device frame.

FIG. 3 is a side view of the device according to another aspect of the invention, the forearm-supporting plate being pivotally connected to the transverse bar of the frame and being provided with a third support leg pivotally connected to the bottom of the forearm-supporting plate.

FIG. 4 is a side view that illustrates folding of the device.

FIG. 5 is a front view of the device of the invention in the direction of arrow A in FIG. 3; the forearm-supporting pad and the forearm-securing belt are not shown.

FIG. 6 is a schematic view that illustrates positions of the bed, wheelchair, and a handicapped individual with non-weight bearing lower extremities or at least one non-weight bearing hand, the positions being shown directly prior to use of the device of the invention.

FIG. 7 depicts the handicapped individual resting on the bed with the elbow of his/her injured hand and being inclined toward the weight-bearing elbow for insertion of one side of the sliding board under his/her buttock and for placing another side of the board onto the seat of the wheelchair.

FIG. 8 shows the handicapped individual already seated on the sliding board, the sliding board bridging the space between the bed and the wheelchair.

FIG. 9 shows the handicapped individual in a mobile condition with his/her injured or handicapped hand resting on the forearm-supporting plate of the device, while the healthy hand of the individual rests on the sliding board, the vertical arrows showing the direction of applied forces and the horizontal arrow showing direction of movement.

FIG. 10 depicts the individual in a position closer to the wheelchair after repetitions of the step shown in FIG. 9.

FIG. 11 shows the individual sitting partially on a wheelchair seat and partially on the siding board, this position allowing the individual to release himself/herself from the device and from the sliding board.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

An individual who is non-weight bearing through his/her bilateral lower extremities or in one or both wrists cannot independently, i.e., without assistance of another person, transfer himself/herself, e.g., from a bed to a wheelchair, or vice versa. However, this becomes possible by use of the device and method of the invention. In the context of the present invention, the term “non-weight bearing lower extremities” means amputated or fractured legs, and the term “handicapped hand” means a hand without a wrist or a hand with broken fingers. Individuals with such problems are frequent patients in acute care hospitals, especially in trauma centers. Non-weight bearing lower extremities and handicapped hands cannot support the body weight of a handicapped individual. The mobility assist device of the present invention provides the individual with such a capacity.

FIG. 1 is a three-dimensional view of a handicapped person mobility assist device according to one aspect of the invention. The device, which as a whole is designated by reference numeral 20, has a frame 22 formed by a pair of rods 24 a and 26 a. The rod 24 a consists of a tubular rod 24 and a support leg 28. The rod 26 a consists of a tubular rod 26 and a support leg 30. The support legs 28 and 30 are telescopically inserted into the lower ends of the tubular rods 24 and 26, respectively. A crossbar 32 that has a soft upper surface 34 connects the upper ends of the tubular rods 24 and 26.

The device 20 is provided with a forearm-supporting plate 36 that, in the modification shown in FIG. 1, is connected to the rods 24 a and 26 a in the intermediate position of their length, e.g., near the lower ends of the tubular rods 24 and 26. Attached to the forearm-supporting plate 36 is a substantially semicircular pad 38 made from a soft material for supporting and embracing the handicapped arm of the individual during use of the device. The semicircular pad 38, in turn, is provided with a forearm-securing means, e.g., in the form of a belt 40, one end of which is attached to one side of the semicircular pad 38 and the other end is guided through a buckle 42 attached to the other side of the semicircular pad 38. The belt can be tightly wrapped around the forearm of an individual (not shown in FIG. 1) and fixed in the tightened state by securing means such as a hook-and-loop fastener known under trademark Velcro.

The tubular support legs 28 and 30 may have on their lower ends bearing shoes 44 and 46 molded, e.g. from rubber. A mechanism of attachment of the support leg, e.g., the support leg 28, to the respective tubular rod 24 is shown in FIG. 2, which is a fragmental exploded view of the attachment mechanism. The mechanism consists of a spring-loaded locking element, e.g., a semispherical member 48 that is urged outward for protrusion from the periphery of the tubular rod 24 by a spring 50 so that when the tubular support leg 28 is telescopically fitted onto the end of the rod 24, the protruding part of the semispherical member 48 snaps into a selected hole of holes 52 a, 52 b, 52 c formed in the wall of the support leg 28. The parts are fixed in the selected position by means of a locknut 29 that is threaded on the outer thread 31 formed on the end of the support leg 28. The selected position of the leg 28 relative to the tubular rod 24 determines the height D1 of the device 20 as well as the distance D2 from the surface on which the device rests (not shown in FIG. 1) to the position of the forearm of the individual during use of the device 20 as a mobility assist means. The distance D1 should be selected so that in the working position of the individual's forearm, the soft upper surface 34 of the crossbar 32 is slightly below the armpit of the user and the load exerted by the partial weight of the individual's body is perceived not by the crossbar 32 but by the forearm-supporting plate 36.

The mobility assist device 120 according to another aspect of the invention is shown in FIG. 3, which is a side view of the device. FIG. 4 is a side view similar to FIG. 3 that illustrates folding of the device 120, and FIG. 5 is a view of the device 120 of the invention in the direction of arrow A in FIG. 3, the forearm-supporting pad and the forearm-securing belt not being shown.

Parts and units of the device of this second modification that are identical to those shown and described for the first modification and with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2 will be designated by the same reference numerals but with the addition of 100, and their description will be omitted. For example, the device 120 of the second modification has a crossbar 132, a tubular rod 124, a support leg 128, etc.

To distinguish the device shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 from the device shown in FIG. 3, the forearm-supporting plate 160 is pivotally connected to a transverse bar 162 (FIG. 5) of the frame 122 and is provided with a third rod 163, which is pivotally connected to the bottom of the forearm-supporting plate 160 with possibility of rotation around a pivot axle 166 (FIGS. 3 and 4). In the modification of FIGS. 3, 4 and 5, the third rod 163 consists of a support leg 164, which is telescopically fitted onto a tubular bar 165 (FIG. 5). The fixation and adjustment mechanism of the tubular bar 165 and the third support leg 164 is identical to that shown in FIG. 2 for the bar 24 and the support leg 28. In order to limit pivotal rotation of the support leg 164 in the direction away from the frame 122, a stopper 168 is provided on the lower side of the forearm-supporting plate 160. The third support leg 164 has a bearing shoe 170.

As shown in FIG. 4, the device 120 can be folded for convenience of storage and transportation. For folding, the forearm-supporting plate 150 is turned around the crossbar 162 in the counterclockwise direction of the arrow B (FIG. 4), and the third bearing leg 164 is turned in the clockwise direction of the arrow C around the pivot axle 166. In a completely folded position (not shown), the device 120 can be placed on the wheelchair and can also be used as a footrest.

Use of devices 20 and 120 will now be described with reference to FIGS. 6 to 11 to illustrate the sequential steps of the device use. FIG. 6 is a schematic view that illustrates positions of the bed, wheelchair, and a handicapped individual with non-weight bearing lower extremities and at least one non-weight bearing wrist, the positions being shown directly prior to use of the device of the invention. FIG. 7 is a view similar to FIG. 6, wherein the handicapped individual rests on the bed with the elbow of his/her injured hand and is inclined toward the weight-bearing elbow for insertion of one side of the sliding board under his/her buttock and for placing another side of the board onto the seat of the wheelchair. FIG. 8 is a view similar to FIG. 7 but shows that the handicapped individual is already seated on the sliding board and that the sliding board bridges the space between the bed and the wheelchair. FIG. 9 is a view similar to FIG. 8 but shows that the handicapped individual is in a mobile condition with his/her injured or handicapped hand resting on the forearm-supporting plate of the device, while the healthy hand of the individual rests on the sliding board, the vertical arrows showing direction of applied forces and the horizontal arrow showing direction of movement. FIG. 10 is a view similar to FIG. 9 but shows the individual in a position closer to the wheelchair after repetitions of the step shown in FIG. 9. FIG. 11 is a view similar to FIG. 10 but shows the individual sitting partially on a wheelchair seat and partially on the siding board, the position allowing the individual to release himself/herself from the device and from the sliding board. In the aforementioned drawings, the individual who uses the device of the invention is designated by reference numeral 200, the bed is designated by reference numeral 202, and the wheelchair is designated by reference numeral 204. The sliding board 205 made from plastic or wood is needed for use as an auxiliary item.

As the following description equally relates to devices 20 and 120 of both modifications, reference will be made only to the device 20. In fact, the device 20, or device 120, is used as a short crutch having a height that is slightly shorter that the distance from the device support surface 202 a of the bed 202 to the armpit 200 b (FIGS. 6 and 9) of the individual 200 who sits on the support surface 202 a of the bed 202.

In order to transfer oneself, e.g., from the bed 200 to a wheelchair 204, which is preliminarily positioned at the end of the bed 202 opposite to a pillow 202 b, the individual 200 assumes a sitting position on the bed 202 with the elbow 200 c of his/her injured or handicapped hand 200 d resting on the bed 202 (FIG. 7). The healthy hand 200 e is located on the wheelchair side. With the healthy hand 200 e, the individual 200 places one end of the sliding board 205 under his/her buttock and the other end onto the seat 204 a of the wheelchair so that the sliding board 205 bridges the span between the bed 202 and the wheelchair 205 (FIG. 7). If necessary, the sliding board 205 is positioned in place by an assistant. As shown in FIG. 7, in order to facilitate insertion of the sliding board 205, the edges of the sliding board can be beveled.

Next, the individual places the device 206 of the invention on the bed 202 (FIG. 9). The device 206 is then used as a crutch so that the transverse crossbar 34 (FIG. 1) is placed under the individual's armpit 200 b of the handicapped arm 200 d, which rests on the semicircular pad 38 of the forearm-supporting plate 36 (FIGS. 1 and 7). In FIGS. 9 through 11, the device is shown schematically, and the details, including the semicircular pad 38, are not shown. The healthy hand 200 e rests on the wheelchair side of the sliding board 205.

In this situation, by using the muscles of the healthy hand 200 e and of the handicapped arm 200 d, the individual 200 can slightly lift his/her body to alleviate the pressure exerted by his/her weight on the sliding board 205 so that he/she can shift his/her body in the direction of the arrow D (FIG. 9) toward the wheelchair 204. The vertical arrows show directions of forces resulting from the body weight of the individual.

Such a procedure is repeated many times so that in subsequent operations the device 206 rests on the sliding board 205 instead of the bed 202 (FIG. 10). These steps are repeated until the individual 200 finds himself/herself on the part of the sliding board 205 that is supported by the wheelchair 204. The individual then removes the sliding board 205 with his/her healthy hand 200 e in the direction of the arrow E.

Transfer from a wheelchair 204 to a bed 202 is carried out in the reverse sequence of the above-described operations. In order to facilitate this operation and to allow the individual 200 to reach the board 205 with his/her healthy hand 200 e, the edge of the sliding board on the wheelchair side should not be placed too far under the individual's body.

Thus, it has been shown that the invention provides a device and method for improving self-mobility of an individual who is non-weight bearing through his/her bilateral lower extremities and one or two non-weight bearing wrists. The device hastens the rehabilitation process of patient independence in a hospital and also can be used at home until the patient is able to ambulate. The device can be used by patients with multiple extremity fractures for improving their mobility. Because of the invention, the aforementioned individuals are provided with a device and method that allow movement in bed and transfer from bed to wheelchair, or vice versa, without assistance. The device is light in weight, adjustable according to specific dimensions of the individual, foldable, and suitable for storing, transporting on a wheelchair, or for using on a wheelchair as a foot rest.

Although the invention has been shown and described with reference to specific embodiments, it is understood that these embodiments should not be construed as limiting the areas of application of the invention and that any changes and modifications are possible provided that these changes and modifications do not depart from the scope of the attached patent claims. For example, the handicapped individual who has two non-weight bearing wrists would use two devices, one for the right hand and another for the left hand. The device frame can be assembled from aluminum tubular elements or can be molded from a plastic material. The device may have one support leg or more than three support legs. The support legs can be attached to the frame elements and fixed in the adjusted position by means other than the spring-loaded semispherical member and the locking nut, e.g., with pins insertable into through holes of the legs and tubular rods. 

1. A mobility assist device for use by an individual who has non-weight bearing lower extremities and at least one hand with a non-weight bearing wrist, the mobility assist device comprising: a frame formed at least from a pair of rods rigidly interconnected at one end with a cross bar; a forearm support means for supporting the forearm of the hand of the individual who has a non-weight bearing wrist, the forearm support means being attached to the frame in an intermediate position of the frame and oriented perpendicular to the pair of rods that form the frame; and a forearm securing means for securing the forearm to the forearm support means in a manner that allows the individual to perceive his/her entire body weight, or a part thereof, by the forearm when the device is used as a support for said individual.
 2. The device of claim 1, wherein each rod of the frame consists of a tubular rod and a support leg, each tubular rod and the respective support leg being telescopically moveable with respect to one another and having a locking mechanism for locking the support leg with respect to the tubular rod in a selected position.
 3. The device of claim 1, wherein the forearm support means further comprises a substantially semicircular pad made from a soft material for supporting and embracing said forearm when the forearm is placed onto the semicircular pad and means for securing the forearm to the substantially semicircular pad when the individual uses the device to support at least a part of his/her body weight.
 4. The device of claim 3, wherein the securing means comprises a buckle attached to one end of the semicircular pad; a belt, one end of which is attached to the side of the semicircular pad opposite to said one side and the other end capable of being guided through the buckle; and a fastening mechanism for securing said other end of the belt when the belt is tightened around said forearm of the individual.
 5. The device of claim 4, wherein the fastening means comprises a fastener composed of tiny hooks and loops engageable with each other in a securable manner.
 6. The device of claim 2, wherein the forearm support means further comprises a substantially semicircular pad made from a soft material for supporting and embracing said forearm when the forearm is placed onto the semicircular pad and means for securing the forearm to the substantially semicircular pad when the individual uses the device to support at least a part of his/her body weight.
 7. The device of claim 6, wherein the securing means comprises a buckle attached to one end of the semicircular pad; a belt, one end of which is attached to the side of the semicircular pad opposite to said one side and the other end capable of being guided through the buckle; and a fastening mechanism for securing said other end of the belt when the belt is tightened around said forearm of the individual.
 8. The device of claim 7, wherein the fastening means comprises a fastener composed of tiny hooks and loops engageable with each other in a securable manner.
 9. The device of claim 1, wherein the forearm support means is pivotally attached to the frame in an intermediate position of the frame and is provided with a third rod that is pivotally connected to the forearm support means.
 10. The device of claim 9, wherein the third rod consists of a third tubular rod and a third support leg, which are telescopically moveable with respect to one another and have a third locking mechanism for locking the third support leg with respect to the third tubular rod in the selected position.
 11. The device of claim 10, wherein the forearm support means further comprises a substantially semicircular pad made from a soft material for supporting and embracing said forearm when the forearm is placed onto the semicircular pad and means for securing the forearm to the substantially semicircular pad when the individual uses the device to support at least a part of his/her body weight.
 12. The device of claim 11, wherein the securing means comprises a buckle attached to one end of the semicircular pad; a belt, one end of which is attached to the side of the semicircular pad opposite to said one side and the other end capable of being guided through the buckle; and a fastening mechanism for securing said other end of the belt when the belt is tightened around said forearm of the individual.
 13. The device of claim 12, wherein the fastening means comprises a fastener composed of tiny hooks and loops engageable with each other in a securable manner.
 14. The device of claim 1, wherein the device has a height shorter than the distance from the support surface on which the individual sits and on which the device rests during use to the armpit of the individual in a sitting position.
 15. The device of claim 9, wherein the device has a height shorter than the distance from the support surface on which the individual sits and on which the device rests during use to the armpit of the individual in a sitting position.
 16. A method of self-transfer of a handicapped individual having non-weight bearing lower extremities and at least one non-weight bearing wrist from one location having a first support surface to another location having a second support surface, the method comprising the following steps: (a) providing a sliding board and a mobility assist device that has a frame comprising at least a pair of rods rigidly interconnected at one end with a crossbar, a forearm support means for supporting the forearm of the hand of the individual who has the non-weight bearing wrist, the forearm support means being attached to the frame in an intermediate position of the frame and oriented perpendicular to the pair of rods that forms the frame, and forearm securing means for securing the forearm to the forearm support means in a manner that allows the individual to perceive all or a part of his/her body weight by the forearm when the device is used as a support for said individual; (b) assuming by said individual a sitting position on the first support surface with the elbow of his/her hand having the non-weight bearing wrist resting on the first support surface, the other hand of the individual being located on the side of the second location; (c) placing one end of the sliding board with said other hand under his/her buttock and the other end of the sliding board onto the second support surface so that the sliding board bridges the span between the first location and a second location; (d) placing by said individual the device onto the first support surface for using the device as a crutch by placing the transverse crossbar under the individual's armpit of the hand having the non-weight bearing wrist; (e) securing the forearm in the forearm support means by using the forearm securing means; (f) lifting the body to alleviate pressure exerted by the weight of the individual's body on the sliding board by using the muscles of said other hand and of the forearm of the hand having the non-weight bearing wrist and shifting himself/herself toward the second location; (g) repeating step (f) until reaching a position on the second support surface in the second location; and (h) releasing himself/herself from the sliding board by pulling it out.
 17. The method of claim 16, wherein the first location is a bed and the second location is a wheelchair.
 18. The method of claim 16, wherein the first location is a wheelchair and the second location is a bed. 